Eberechi Eze was the standout player for Arsenal as they faced Newcastle United(Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal squeezed past Newcastle United to reclaim their place at the top of the Premier League.
The Gunners took the lead courtesy of Eberechi Eze, who finished beautifully after a short corner routine. Yet there was bad news before the break as Kai Havertz had to leave the field with an injury.
Worse still, Eze then had to be replaced, too, with what appeared to be an ankle issue. Arsenal continued to try and find the second, a contentious moment when Nick Pope brought down Viktor Gyokeres way outside his box, but VAR deemed the situation not a denial of a goalscoring opportunity.
Here is how **football.london** rated the performances of the Arsenal players involved:
**David Raya –** Was tested by a swerving Sandro Tonali strike from outside the box, which the Spaniard reacted to brilliantly to save. A strong performance overall. **7**
**Ben White –** The absence of Jurrien Timber is still being felt, as White and Noni Madueke’s connections just were not forming on the day. **6**
**William Saliba –** A little aggressive in the challenges, which gave away some set-pieces in dangerous positions. **7**
**Gabriel –** Much calmer compared to his display in Manchester, and he dealt with an increasing pressure at the back. **8**
**Piero Hincapié –** Such a fighter, and won so many good duels, including several he managed to flick off a Newcastle player for an Arsenal ball. A great late challenge on Elanga at the end too. **8**
**Martin Zubimendi –** Another stronger performance from the midfielder, whose aerial prowess continues to impress. Had a good chance to score the Gunners’ second blocked inside the box. **7**
**Declan Rice –** Martialled the midfield and it felt like he played deeper than Zubimendi, perhaps a tweak to the midfield setup. **7**
**Martin Odegaard –** Wanted to see more urgency from the captain, a number of times, a quick progressive pass was on, but he just didn’t play it. One chance in particular where Gyokeres was free for a ball down the left half-space was ignored. **5**
**Noni Madueke –** Looked lively in the build-up to the goal, but faded considerably as the game went on. Created a good chance for Zubimendi that was blocked. **5**
**Kai Havertz –** Had the piece of mind to spot Eze for the goal, but couldn’t complete the first half, coming off with an unknown injury. **6**
**Eberechi Eze –** A player for the big moments who comes alive in the sunshine, and he did again, brilliant strike from the edge of the box, curling right to left into the far corner. Sadly, he too had to be replaced after an ankle problem. **8**
**Viktor Gyokeres –** Came on in the first to replace the injured Havertz. Worked hard, but if Havertz is out for an extended period, it is a big worry. Had a great chance to find Saka or Martinelli at the end but a simple pass was blocked. **4**
**Gabriel Martinelli –** After a poor start, the winger improved and set up Saka for a good chance, tried an overhead kick too, into the arms of Pope. **5**
**Bukayo Saka –** A welcome return for the Arsenal talisman, and his first action was a shot which just deflected wide. **6**
**Myles Lewis-Skelly –** Came on to replace Martin Zubimendi and move into a midfield role. Gives the Gunners an option as Rice moves to the number six position. **5**